Windows XP Sunset: December Update

Windows XP will no longer be supported by Microsoft after 4/8/14. Consequently, all university-owned computers running Windows XP need to be upgraded to Windows 7 or else retired from duty as they will not be allowed on Pepperdine’s network after 4/8/14. 

Thanks to all our Pepperdine colleagues who have been upgrading or surplusing their Windows XP computers.  There are only 273 computers at Pepperdine still running XP.  Of those, 173 need to be upgraded to Windows 7 while 100 computers need to be retired as they do not have the resources required to be upgraded.  E-mails were sent on 12/19/13 to the owners of these computers (if they are able to be determined) informing them of the Windows XP sunset program.  If no definitive owner can be determined for a given computer, then technology support personnel will visit the computer and work with attendant staff in sunsetting XP.

Windows XP Sunset Town Hall

Windows XP will no longer be supported by Microsoft after 4/8/14. Consequently, all university-owned computers running Windows XP need to be upgraded to Windows 7 or else retired from duty as they will not be allowed on Pepperdine’s network after 4/8/14. 

Thanks to all our Pepperdine colleagues who attended Windows XP sunset town hall sessions on 11/11/13.  Thirty people participated in these town halls and learned that 367 computers at Pepperdine are running XP.  Of those, 238 need to be upgraded to Windows 7 while 129 computers need to be retired as they do not have the resources required to be upgraded.  Town hall attendees learned that e-mails will be sent on 11/12/13 to the owners of these computers (if they are able to be determined) informing them of the Windows XP sunset program.  If no definitive owner can be determined for a given computer, then technology support personnel will visit the computer and work with attendant staff in sunsetting XP.

Staying Secure with Restarts

The Device Management team would like to remind everyone that a key component of many software installations is restarting your computer (also known as a "reboot"). Not all software installations require a restart, but when and if your computer needs to the Device Management client will alert you. Though these messages can be "snoozed," we strongly encourage everyone to reboot as soon as possible after receiving these messages. Here are how the reboot messages look, please click "Yes" to keep your computer secure:

Mac dialog box prompting for a reboot

PC pop-up window prompting for a restart

We understand that a break in your workflow can be annoying. However, the slight interruption can also be a good reminder to take a break. There is growing consensus among researchers that taking breaks from a prolonged task actually increases productivity: see this article in the New York Times. This is your Device Management team reminding you to reboot and worker smarter, not harder.

Keeping Pepperdine Computers Safe

Automated updates are one of the major benefits of the Device Management system. For example, Java has consistently been one of the most exploited programs and has needed several patches this year. Device Managment hes helped to secure our network by patching over 900 computers to Java 7 update 40 without user intervention.

Getting Rid of Java 6

Windows

The Device Management Core Team is testing a script to get rid of your Java 6 for Windows and upgrade you to Java 7. Java 6 update 45 and prior, as well as Java 7 update 21 and prior are vulnerable to a widely used cybercriminal exploit kit. Meantime, you may want to use http://browsercheck.pepperdine.edu to update your Java manually.

Macintosh

For the moment, Apple has bought the extended updates for Java 6 from Oracle and is blocking your Java until you accept their update. If you're one of the 218 University owned Macs enrolled in device management, Device Management is updating Java 6 for you, using Apple's patch. If you have a University owned Mac, you should have Device Management - contact your tech support or the help desk.

Want to check if your Java is vulnerable?

Go to http://browsercheck.pepperdine.edu and use the big blue button.

Java 7 Update and Agent Download

Java 7 Windows Update

Starting today, the managed install of Java 7 update 25 will begin updating Windows computers that have a version of Java 7 less than update 25.  You should reboot, and when you type ctrl-alt-del to log in, you will see a screen noting that software is being installed (see screenshot below). About 537 Java 7 machines are vulnerable and need the update! 

This message box will appear on Windows computers while Device Management updates Java  

Windows computers with Java 6, will not be updated. Java 6 is no longer supported without paid contract to Oracle and will receive no more security updates on Windows. However, the removal of Java 6 and earlier versions, including replacement with Java 7, is a later step in our program.

Device Management Agent Download

For special situations (Macs, Windows systems not in domain, etc.) your tech support may direct you to the "Get the Agent!" link in the right margin. The link requires a valid Pepperdine Google Apps login to prevent the agent from being distributed on the internet and unrelated computers becoming managed by Pepperdine! You don't need to use the link if you aren't directed to do so by support. If you need to check whether you have the agent or not, see our FAQ.

Security Patching Update

The roll out of Device Management is continuing on a managed schedule across the University. As of August 1 we are applying security patches to University-owned computers on the Encino, Irvine, West Los Angeles, and Westlake Village campuses and across the Malibu campus (including the Drescher campus and School of Law building) except the Center for Communication and Business building.

Security patches are being applied successfully each week with few to no reports of user disruption. You can see a list of the patches applied by viewing the DM Patch Log and find out more about Device Management by reading our FAQ or sending an email to devicemanagement@pepperdine.edu.